Spool feeding device



y 3, 1955 s. FURST 2,707,546

SPOOL FEEDING DEVICE Filed March 8, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I4 I x0 INVENTOR. 511: PH H FUR s T May 3, 1955 s. FURST SPOOL FEEDING DEVICE Filed March 8, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 v-v I INVENTOR.

STEFA r/ Fug s T M United States Patent sroor. FEEDING DEVICE Stefan Fiirst, Munchen-Gladbach, Germany, assignor to Walter Reiners, Waltluiel-Niedershein, Germany Application March 8, 1952, Serial No. 275,608

Claims priority, application Germany March 10, 1951 19 Claims. (Cl. 198-40) The present invention relates to a feeding device, and more particularly to a device for feeding spools to a winding machine.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an arrangement in which objects are supplied to a supply receiving device only if no such objects are already present in the supply receiving device.

It is another object of the present invention to interrupt supply of objects to a supply receiving device at predetermined intervals even if no objects are present in the supply receiving device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide feeler means tending to engage objects in the supply receiving means, and causing supplying of an object to the supply receiving means when no object is present in the same.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plurality of cooperating supply carrying and supply receiving means, and to arrange actuating means for a simultaneous feeding of objects from each of said supply carrying means to the corresponding supply receiving means when no objects are present in the latter.

With these objects in view the present invention mainly consists in a feeding device having a plurality of supply carrying means mounted on a conveyor belt driven by rotary drums and passing over supply receiving stations. Each of the supply carrying means is provided with an outlet opening and has closure means closing the outlet opening and holding therein objects, such as empty spools, which are tending to drop through the outlet opening.

Actuating means are provided on the conveyer band and on the supporting means to provide an actuating impulse.

In order to prevent that each time a supply carrying means passes over a supply receiving means a spool is dropped, spring loaded feeler means are provided which engage objects contained in the supply receiving means and move to an operative position when no objects are present in the supply receiving means. 1

Motion transmitting means connect the feeler means, the actuating means, and the closure means so that the actuating means only open the closure means when the feeler means engage no object in the supply receiving means.

This result may be obtained by difierent constructions. According to a preferred embodiment the feeler means are directly connected to the closure means actuating the same when moving to operative position. Actuating means resiliently urge the feeler means into operative position, but as long as an object is present in the supply receiving means, the feeler means cannot perform such movement so that no object is released from the supply carrying means.

According to another preferred embodiment coupling means, which are controlled by the feeler means, are arranged between the actuating means and the closure means and controlled by the feeler means so that the Cir ice

closure means are only opened when coupled by the coupling means. The feeler means perform such coupling when they are in operative position which they assume when no object is present in the supply receiving means.

A modified embodiment of the present invention uses the feeler means directly for holding objects in the supply carrying means. According to this embodiment the feeler means have a holding portion engaging a projection on the object in the supply carrying means when the feeler means are in inoperative position, and an object is present in the supply receiving means. However, when no such object is present in the supply receiving means the feeler means are pivoted by a spring to an operative position and release the object in the supply carrying means so that the same may drop into the supply receiving means.

In this embodiment as well, closure means may be provided for closing the outlet of the supply carrying means.

In winding machines, for which the feeding device of the present invention is particularly advantageous, several spools are present in the supply receiving device and are shifted therein. The shifting arrangement, however, is not an object of the present invention. While such shifting takes place at predetermined intervals the supply carrying means may just pass over the supply receiving means and since the feeler means would not engage a spool in the supply receiving means during the shifting, a spool would be supplied from the supply carrying means although feeding is not required. It will be understood that feeding should only take place when there is no spool present in the supply receiving device and not When such spools are present, but momentarily being shifted within the supply receiving means.

In order to prevent such undesirable feeding of the spool while the spools are being shifted in the supply receiving means at predetermined intervals, a rotary cam member is provided which is operatively connected to a closure means in the above-described modified embodiment. At intervals determined by the cam member, the closure means remain closed and do not permit dropping of a spool which has been released by the feeler means. When feeding of spools is desired, the cam member permits an actuating lever, which is controlled by the cam member, to project into the path of the closure means so that the closure means are opened when the conveyer belt moves to a position in which the outlet opening of the supply carrying means, and the supply receiving means coincide.

In order to achieve the same result, that is, preventing of feeding at predetermined intervals even if the feeler means do not engage an object in the supply receiving means, the two first-mentioned embodiments are preferably provided with a similar arrangement. A cam follower sliding on a rotary cam member actuates in these two embodiments coupling means arranged between the actuating means and the closure member. According to the position of the cam member the actuating member is connected, or disconnected, respectively, to the other parts of the motion transmitting means so that at predetermined intervals the closure means is not open although the feeler means do not engage a spool in the supply receiving means.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view similar to Fig. 1 of a modified embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 4 is a front view of a further modified embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1 supporting means 1 and 2 support by means of a shaft 3 a rotary drum member 4 over which a conveyer belt 9 passes which is driven by the rotary drum 4. On the conveyer belt 9 supporting members 10 sliding on rails 10 are mounted spaced from each other and support supply carrying means 11 which are provided at the lower end thereof with an outlet opening closed by a closure means 13 to prevent dropping of an object 12, such as an empty spool, through the opening. The closure means is pivotally mounted on the supply carrying means 11 on pivoting pins 14 and may be pivoted to an through the chute 8 must only take place when the movable conveyer belt has transported the supply carrying means to a position above the chute S.

In order to actuate the closure means 13 at the right moment, an actuatingmember is mounted on the supporting member 10 and engages the actuating twoarmed lever 21, 21' which is pivoted on the supporting means on the pivoting pin 5. Engagement of the arm 21 by the actuating member 21 causes movement of the other arm 21 of the actuating lever by which a coupling rod 22 is moved in an axial direction thereof. Coupling rod 22 is slidably mounted on the feeler means 19. A spring 33 is mounted on the coupling rod 22 abutting at one end thereof on the abutment member 31 which is fixedly secured to coupling rod 22, and on the other end thereof on the feeler means 19, so that when the coupling rod 22 is moved in axial direction by the actuating lever 21, 21', the feeler means 19 are resiliently urged in an anti-clockwise direction (Fig. l) to pivot about the shaft mounted on the supporting means 34.

Such pivoting movement, however, can only take place if there is no object 12 present on the supply receiving means 36. In the event that there is an object 12 supported on the supply receiving member 36 it is not desirable that a further object 11 is supplied, and the feeler means 19 are prevented by the object 12' which abuts against the stop means 37 from movement to an operative position and must remain in the inoperative position shown in Fig. l.

A further two-armed lever 17, 16 is pivotally mounted on shaft 6 on the supporting means 2 engaging with one end thereof the projection 15 on the closure means 13 and on the other end thereof a rod 18 which is pivotally secured to the feeler means 19.

The connection between the actuating lever 21, 21 and the feeler means 19 is interrupted at predetermined intervals by a cam member 28 which is rotatably mounted on the supporting means by means of a shaft 30, and is provided with a depressed portion 29 which causes the cam follower 27 to pivot about the shaft 26 whereby the other end 25 of the cam follower is moved to the position shown in Fig. 1. If, however, the cam follower passes over the remainder of the cam track on the cam member 28, the rod 24 is moved downwardly and the coupling rod 22 is pulled downwardly by the sleeve 23 secured to rod 24. Thereby the end of the coupling rod 22 is dis engaged from the lever arm 21, the rod 22 pivoting about a support on the feeler means 19, so that the movement of the lever arm 21' cannot actuate the feeler means 19 to move to an operative position.

The device operates as follows:

When during movement of the conveyer belt the projection 20 engages the actuating member 21, 21 the coupling rod 22 moves axially and the fixed abutment 31 thereon acts on spring 33 to resiliently press the feeler means 19 towards the supply receiving means. An object 12 on the supply receiving means prevents such movement. If, however, no object 12' is present on the supply receiving means, the feeler means 19 moves in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. l. The rod 18 turns the twoarmed lever 16, 17 in a clockwise direction so that the upper end thereof. engaging the projection 15 of the closure member 13, pivots the closure member to an object releasing position.

If during a switching of several members 12 which are supported by the supply receiving means 36 only momentarily no object 12 is present on the supply receiving means, it. is desirable that no further object 12 is supplied to the supply receiving means. During such shifting of obiects 12' on the supply receiving means 36 the cam 28 causes pivoting of rod 22 and disengagement thereof from said actuating lever 21, 21 so that no actuation of the closure member can take place. The modified embodiment shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, however, instead of an actuating member 20 provided on each of the supporting members, a rotary actuating member 29' is arranged on the shaft 3 for common rotation with the drum 4. A plurality of feeding stations, each comprising a supply carrying means and a supply receiving means, a lever 16, 17, a feeler means 19 and a rod 18 are provided along the conveyor belt 9. The shaft 5 supporting the actuating lever 21, 21' extends along the stations and actuates the same by lever portions 21 through coupling rods 22 and springs 33.

Consequently all feeding stations are simultaneously actuated by the rotary actuating member 25.

The advantage of this arrangement is that the conveyor belt need not transmit the forces required by the actuation of the lever 21, 21'.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is provided with a conveyer belt 9 which is moved in a similar manner as in the previous embodiments. Supply varrying means 38 are secured to the conveyer belt and have an outlet opening at the bottom thereof which is closed by the closure means 14 which are pivotally mounted on the conveyer belt 9 by means of a pivoting pin 61.. Below the supply carrying means 33 supply receiving means 46 is arranged, so that an object 12, such as a spool, may drop into the supply receiving means 46 when the conveyor belt transports the supply carrying means 38 through a position above the supply receiving means 46. A feeler means 64 is pivotally mounted by means of bracket 6.": on the conveyer belt 9 and is urged by spring means 63 to engage an object 12 in the supply receiving means 46. An actuating lever 53 is pivotally mounted on the supply receiving means, or on the supporting means, respectively, and projects into the path of an actuating lever 54, 55 which is pivotally mounted at 56 on the conveyer belt 9. On the end of the arm 55 a coupling member 57 is pivotally mounted with one end thereof, while the other end of the coupling member is provided with an engaging portion 69 which engages the projecting arm 62 of. the closure means 40. A link 59 pivotally connects the hook portion of the feeler means 64 with the coupling member at 58 so that the couplingmember is moved to the disengaging position shown in Fig. 3 when the feeler means 64 engage an object 12' in the supply receiving means 46. When, however, no object 12 is present in the supply receiving means 46 the spring 63' pivots the feeler means to an operative position so that the link 59 pulls the cou pling member 57 to the left in Fig. 3 and the engaging portion 60 engages the projecting arm 62 of the closure means 40. When such engagement takes place, the lever 54, 55, when actuated by lever 53, pulls the coupling member and therewith the projecting portion 62 up Wardly causing pivoting of the closure member about the pivoting point 61 to an object releasing position permitting dropping of an object 12 into the supply receiving means.

In order to prevent feeding of objects 12 at predetermined intervals, even though there is no object 12 present in the supply receiving means 46, an arrangement is provided for pivoting the lever 53 to a position in which it does not project into the path of the lever arm 54 so that the closure means 41} are not actuated.

The pivoting of the lever 53 is carried out at predetermined intervals by cam 28 rotating about a shaft 30 and actuating a cam follower 27 pivotaily mounted at 26. The rocking motion of the cam follo "er is transmitted by pivoted rods 51, 52 and a closing lever 50, pivoted at 58,

to the actuating lever 53 so that engagement of the lever arm 54 with the actuating lever 53 cannot take place when the cam projection passes under the cam follower 27.

In this embodiment the supply receiving means is tobular so that the objects contained therein are prevented i from dropping into the chute 8 by a closing member 49 which is pivoted at 58 and integral with the closing lever 50. While the spools are shifted in the Winding machine, the cam member 28 keeps the closing member 49 in a position closing the bottom opening of the tubular supply receiving means 46. The arrangement is such that while the closing member 49 opens and permits a spool 12 to drop into the chute 8, the actuating lever is pivoted out of the path of the lever arm 54 and no further spool 12 can be supplied to the supply receiving means while the closing member 49 is in open position.

' A further modified embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 4 which again shows a conveyer belt 9 moving in the direction of the arrow 66 and supporting a supply carrying means 38 containing an object 12. mounted below the supply carrying means is a tubular supply receiving means 46 so that an object 12 may drop into the supply receiving means when the movement of the belt 9 brings the supply carrying means into alignment with the supply receiving means.

The objects 12 which are used in this arrangement are spools provided with a projecting ifange. Such projecting flange is engaged by a holding means which is connected by a rod 43 to the feeler means 44. Spring means 42' tend to turn the holding portion 45 and the feeler means 44 in one direction. in the event that there is a spool 12 present in the supplying receiving means 46 the feeler means 44 remain in inoperative position and the spool 12 is held in the supply carrying means by the holding means 45 engaging the flange on the spool 12. When, however, no spool is present in the supply receiving means 46 the feeler means 44 are pivoted to an operative position causing the holding means 45 to release the object 12 which drops into the supply receiving means.

In order to feed spools to the winding machine through the chute 8 at predetermined intervals, a cam member 28 rotating about shaft 36] is provided and pivots closing lever 50 about the pivoting point 48 by means of a rod 51 whereby closing member 49 on the opening at the bottom of the tubular supply receiving means 46 is opened. Simultaneously the connecting member 52 causes pivoting of the actuating lever 53,

In. the above-described arrangement the spool 12 is held by the holding means 45 while the cam member has caused the opening of the closure means 6:). When the closing member 49 is opened by members Si 51, 27 and cam 28, the actuating member 53 is pivoted out of the path of the portion 41 of the closure means 40 so that the closure means 49 close the outlet opening of the supply carrying means, and no object 12 can drop Stationarily into the supply receiving means while the closing member 49 is open and the object 12 has at least partly dropped out of the supply receiving means 46.

It will be understood that each of the elements de scribed above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of feeding devices ditlering from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a device for feeding spools to a winding machine at predetermined intervals, and comprising feeler means for determining whether feeding is required, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since vari ous modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to'be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a feeding device, in combination, supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means and said supply receiving means being movable relatively to each other; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; and cooperating movable actuating means on said supply carrying means and on said supply receiving means engaging each other whensaid outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during relative movement of said supply receiving means and said supply carrying means, said actuating means being connected to said closure means and moving the same independently of the position of said feeler means to said open position thereof when said cooperating actuating means engage each other.

2. in a feeding device, in combination, movable supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted .on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an ob ject releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; and cooperating movable actuating means on said supply carrying means and on said supply receiving means engaging each other when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating means being connected to said closure means and moving the same independently of the position of said feeler means to said open position thereof when said cooperating actuating means engage each other.

3. In a feeding device, in combination, movable supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; spring means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; and cooperating movable actuating means on said supply carrying means and on said supply receiving means engaging each other when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating means being connected to said closure means and moving the same independently of the position of said feeler means to said open position thereof when said cooperating actuating means engage each other.

4. In a feeding device, in combination, movable supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over Said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said suppiy carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said clo sure means; and an actuating means mounted on said supply receiving means arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means independently of the position of said feeler means to said open position when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means.

5 In a feeding device, in combination, movable sup ply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object hold ng position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same soas to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; and lever means connecting said actuating lever and said cam follower member and moving said actuating lever out of the path of said actuating projecting member so that at predetermined intervals said closure member remains closed and an object is retained in said supply carrying means even if released by said holding means.

6. In a feeding device, in combination, movable supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary tubular supply receiving means having a top opening and a bottom outlet opening and being arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; a closing member mounted on said tubular supply receiving means movably between a closing position closing said bottom outlet opening therein, so as to support and retain an object, and an open position; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; a lever fixedly secured to said closing member movable with the same; and link means connecting said lever with said actuating lever on one hand, and with said cam follower on the other hand so that at predetera mined intervals said actuating lever is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member while simultaneously said closing member is opened whereby an object in said supply carrying means is supported and retained therein by said closure member in said closed position thereof although released by said holding means, while an object in said tubular supply receiving member is released by said closing means.

7. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projectiru into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; and an actuating means mounted on said supply receiving means arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same independently of the position of said feeler means so as to move said closure means to said open position when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means.

8. in a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, 'and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing possition, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; and lever means connecting said actuating lever and said carn follower member and moving said actuating lever out of the path of said actuating projecting member so that at predetermined intervals said closure member remains closed and an object is retained in said supply carrying means even if released by said holding means.

9. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary tubular supply receiving means having a top opening and a bottom outlet opening and being arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; a closing member mounted on said tubular supply receiving means movably between a closing position closing said bottom outlet opening therein, so as to support and retain an object, and an open position; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projeeting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; a lever fixedly secured to said closing member movable with the same; and link means connecting said lever with said actuating lever on one hand, and with said cam follower on the other hand so that at predetermined intervals said actuating lever is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member while simultaneously said closing member is opened whereby an object in said supply carrying means is supported and retained therein by said closure member in said closed position thereof although released by said holding means, while an object in said tubular supply receiving member is released by said closing means.

10. in a feeding device, in combination, movable supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating two-armed lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating two-armed lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projectiug member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; and lever means connecting the other end of said actuating twoarmed lever and said cam follower member and moving said actuating two-armed lever out of the path of said actuating projecting member so that at predetermined intervals said closure member remains closed and an object is retained in said supply carrying means even if released by said holding means.

11. In a feeding device, in combination, movable supply carrying means having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening, and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary tubular supply receiving means having a top opening and a bottom outlet opening and being arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; a closing member mounted on said tubular supply receiving means movably between a closing position closing said bottom outlet opening therein, so as to support and retain an object, and an open position; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; motion transmitting means connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said hold- 13 ing means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating two-armed lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating two-armed lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; a lever fixedly secured to said closing member movable with the same; and link means connecting said lever with the other end of said actuating two-armed lever on one hand, and with said cam follower on the other hand so that at predetermined inter vals said actuating two-armed lever is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member while simultaneously said closing member is opened whereby an ob- 4 ject in said supply carrying means is supported and retained therein by said closure member in said closed position thereof although released by said holding means, while an object in said tubular supply receiving member is released by said closing means.

12. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating twoarmed lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating two-armed lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; and lever means connecting the other 1 1- end of said actuating two-armed lever and said cam follower member and moving said actuating two-armed lever out of the path of said actuating projecting member so that at predetermined intervals said closure member remains closed and an object is retained in said supply carrying means even if released by said holding means.

13. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyor belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means mounted on said conveyer belt means mova ly between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationarytubular supply receiving means having a top opening and a bottom outlet opening and being arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; a closing member mounted on said tubular supply receiving means movably between a closing position closing said bottom outlet opening therein, so as to support and retain an object, and an open position; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyor belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating two-armed lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating two-armed lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam memher; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervais; a lever fixedly secured to said closing member movable with the same; and link means connecting said lever with the other end of said actuating two-armed lever on one hand, and with said cam follower on the other hand so that at predetermined intervals said actuating two-armed lever is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member while simultaneously said closing member is opened whereby an object in said supply carrying means is supported and retained therein by said closure member in said closed position thereof although released by said holding means, while an object in said tubular supply receiving member is released by said closing means.

14. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyor belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means pivotaliy mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in saidclosing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means mounted on said conveyer belt means and urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object reieasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; and an actuating means mounted on said supply receiving means arranged in the path of said actuating projecting mernher and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means.

15. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means pivotally mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary supply receiving means arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means be ing in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such object when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means mounted on said conveyer belt means and urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a rod mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeler means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating two-armed lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said feeler means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actusting two-armed lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; and lever means connecting the other end of said actuating two-armed lever and said cam follower member and moving said actuating two-armed lever out of the path of said actuating projecting member so that at predetermined intervals said closure member remains closed and an object is retained in said supply carrying means even if released by said holding means.

16. In a feeding device, in combination, movable conveyer belt means; supply carrying means mounted on said conveyer belt means and having a bottom outlet opening; closure means pivotaliy mounted on said conveyer belt means movably between a closing position closing said outlet opening and an open position, and in said closing position adapted to support an object located in said supply carrying means; stationary tubular supply receiving means having a top opening and a bottom outlet opening and being arranged underneath said supply carrying means for receiving an object dropping through said outlet opening in open position of said closure means, said supply carrying means passing during movement thereof over said supply receiving means; a closing member mounted on said tubular supply receiving means movably between a closing position closing said bottom outlet opening therein, so as to support and retain an object, and an open position; feeler means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an operative and an inoperative position, said feeler means being in said inoperative position adapted to engage an object in said supply receiving means, and in said operative position projecting into the space for receiving such ob ject when no object is present in said supply receiving means; means mounted on said conveyer belt means and urging said feeler means from said inoperative position to said operative position; holding means mounted on said supply carrying means movably between an object holding position and an object releasing position, and in said object holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means independently of said closure means; a red mounted on said conveyer belt means and connecting said feeier means with said holding means so that said holding means are in said object holding position when said feeler means are in said inoperative position, and said holding means are in said object releasing position when said feeler means are in said operative position; an actuating projecting member fixedly secured to said closure means; an actuating twoarmed lever pivotally mounted on said supply receiving means having one end thereof arranged in the path of said actuating projecting member and engaging the same so as to move said closure means to said open position independently of the position of said fcelcr means when said outlet opening passes over said supply receiving means during movement of said supply carrying means, said actuating two-armed lever being pivotable to a position in which said one end thereof is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member; a rotary cam member; a movable cam follower member engaging said cam member and being moved by the same at predetermined intervals; a lever fixedly secured to said closing member movable with the same; and link means connecting said lever with the other end of said actuating two-armed lever on one hand, and with said cam follower on the other hand so that at predetermined intervals said actuating two-armed lever is moved out of the path of said actuating projecting member while simultaneously said closing member is opened whereby an object in .aid supply carrying means is supported and retained therein by said closure member in said closed position thereof although released by said holding means, while an object in said tubular supply receiving member is released by said closing means.

17. In a feeding device, in combination, supply carrying means; first holding means combined with said supply carrying means and being movable between a holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means and a releasing position for releasing said object; second holding means combined with said supply carrying means and being movable between a holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means and a releasing position for releasing said object; supply receiving means cooperating with said supply carrying means and arranged for receiving an object from said supply carrying means when said object released by said first and second holding means; first operating means for moving said first holding means from its holding into its releasing position when there is no object in said supply receiving means; second operating means for moving said second holding means from its holding into its releasing position; operation control means combined with said second operating means and movable between a first position preventing movement of said second holding means by said second operating means and a second position permitting operation of said second holding means by said second operating means; and actuating means for moving said operation control means between said first and second positions.

18. In a feeding device, in combination, supply carrying means; first holding means combined with said supply carrying means and being movable between a holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means and a releasing position for releasing said object; second holding means combined with said supply carrying means and being movable between a holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means and a releasing position for releasing said object; supply receiving means cooperating with said supply carrying means and arranged for receiving an object from said supply carrying means when said object released by said first and second holding means; first op erating means for moving said first holding means from its holding into its releasing position when there is no object in said supply receiving means, said first operating means including feeler means cooperating with said supply receiving means; second operating means for moving said second holding means from its holding into its releasing position; operation control means combined with said second operating means and movable between a first position preventing movement of said second holding means by said second operating means and a second position permitting operation of said second holding means by said second operating means; third holding means combined with said supply receiving means and being movable between an object holding position for holding an object in said supply receiving means, and an object releasing position; and actuating means for simultaneously moving said third holding means to said object releasing position and said operation control means to said first position whereby release of an object from said supply carrying means is prevented by said second holding means while said third holding means release an object from said supply receiving means.

19. In a feeding device, in combination, supply carrying means; holding means combined with said supply carrying means, said holding means being movable between a holding position adapted to hold an object in said supply carrying means and a releasing position for releasing said object; supply receiving means cooperating with said supply carrying means and arranged for receiving an object released by said holding means from said supply carrying means; operating means for moving said holding means from holding position into releasing position when there is no object in said supply receiving means; blocking means movable between an inoperative position and a blocking position preventing movement of said object from said supply carrying means to said supply receiving means despite movement of said holding means from said holding position into said releasing position effected by said operating means; and actuating means for moving said blocking means between said inoperative and blocking position independently of the actuation of said holding means by said operating means.

No references cited. 

